While computers and technological advances have worked their way behind
the scenes in the theatre and make possible various effects,
scene-changes and light cues, few shows have brought technology to the
forefront and made them a part of the show. The use of video screens may
enhance the set and synthesized music may augment the orchestra, but
rarely has cutting-edge technology had the starring role in a show.
The Flying Karamazov Brothers in their new show at ACT in
Seattle have done just that: combined the ancient art of juggling with the
up-to-the-minute breakthroughs of MIT's Media Lab in
L'Universe (pronounced "loony-verse").

For those unfamiliar with The Flying Karamazov Brothers, they
are a troupe of four performers (Paul Magid, Howard Jay Patterson, Mark
Ettinger and Roderick Kimball in this incarnation), who have been plying
their craziness since 1973. They have appeared all over the world, from
the streets of San Francisco to Broadway, and have appeared on everything
from Seinfeld (as The Flying Sandos Brothers) to the movie The
Jewel of the Nile. Their primary skill is juggling, but never limit
themselves to the traditional balls and clubs. They juggle words in
snappy (and often awful pun filled) patter, their bodies with
choreographed movement and music as well. Being skilled musicians as
well, they juggle notes as they play and sing rounds, usually while
juggling physical objects. Pretty easy you say? Well, try juggling with
one hand, playing the guitar with the other, and blowing on a tin flute at
the same time!

Paul Magid

In L'Universe, they combine high speed, intense juggling with
quantum physics, and mix in some of the best gadgetry seen this side of
James Bond or Batman (I left wondering where they got all those wonderful
toys....). Clubs that change color depending on who is holding them and
their relative function in the juggling world. Pendulum bells that are
swung and rung as the four-man team maneuver around them. Computer
generated balls of light that are juggled on a screen. And most
impressive (and expensive): a series of sonar transducers and
accelerometers which, by measuring the speed of the clubs, the position of
the juggler on the floor, and a variety of other variables, produce
different notes, and thus create music. Add to this enough quantum physics
jargon to make Stephen Hawkins happy, and you have an extremely bizarre
mix that was a lot of fun and was surprisingly kid-friendly. Some of the
toys need to get broken in, some of the patter needs to feel less
scripted, but there is nothing like seeing twelve clubs shifting colors
and occasionally bouncing off a stray surface to give you new
understanding of 'chaos theory.'

The Flying Karamazov Brothers are at ACT in Seattle
through January 30th. From there they travel throughout the United States
(NOTE: L'Universe does not start touring until May). For more
information on the Seattle production of L'Universe or to buy tickets,
call the box office at (206) 292-7676 or visit ACT's website:
www.acttheatre.org.